Suitability of different meadow plant species for the establishment of buffer strips on arable land

Summary.

On the basis of Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009, from 1 January 2012, there will be an introduction of a new requirement for the establishment of buffer strips along watercourses to the system of cross-compliance requirements. In connection with the close introduction of this requirement to agricultural practice, there is a need inter alia to prepare recommendations for the selection of meadow plant species to establish buffer strips on arable land. The article presents relevant proposals in this field. It was concluded that for the buffer strips established arable areas, most suitable are grass species (high, medium and low) used on productive meadows and pastures, as well as legumes (especially clover and alfalfa). Because arable land is located on mineral soils, selection of species should take into account soil quality (quality classes) and moisture (position from dry to wet).